The 52-year-old filmmaker later provided a defence of his movie’s portrayal of the character, saying he was inspired by the contemporary DC Comics world and that it’s “incredible” the film remains such a talking point.

He added: “My heart breaks for Jared — he did magnificent work. Most of it remains unseen.”

For sure character creation is a tightrope. I took inspiration from the current DC comics. I find it incredible it’s still such a topic 5 years later. My heart breaks for Jared - he did magnificent work. Most of it remains unseen. https://t.co/IRj7vB1ZjG